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Allergies: Should I Take Allergy Shots?

You may want to have a say in this decision, or you may simply want to follow your doctor's recommendation. Either way, this information will help you understand what your choices are so that you can talk to your doctor about them.

Key points to remember

Allergy shots will probably help you. They are effective for
most people and can reduce symptoms if you are allergic to pollens,
animal dander,
dust mites, mold, or cockroaches.footnote 1 Allergy shots may prevent children with allergic rhinitis
from getting asthma.footnote 1

You need to take allergy shots for 3 to 5 years.

You cannot be sure how long the shots will be effective after
you stop getting them. For allergies to some grasses, shots have been effective
for 3 or 4 years.footnote 1

If you
have
coronary artery disease, are using
beta-blockers, are pregnant, are not able to
communicate how the shots are working, or have an
impaired immune system, allergy shots may not be
recommended.

Children may use allergy shots if they have persistent
asthma made worse by allergens.

Children younger than 2 should not have
allergy shots.

Children ages 3 to 4 may find it hard to have to
get many shots over a long period of time. Talk with your
doctor.

Your child's asthma needs to be well controlled before he
or she gets allergy shots.

Allergic rhinitis (often called hay fever) occurs when your
immune system overreacts to particles in the air that
you breathe—you are allergic to them. Your immune system attacks the particles,
causing symptoms such as sneezing and a runny nose. The particles are called
allergens, which simply means that they can cause an
allergic reaction.

Asthma is a long-lasting condition that causes
wheezing, trouble breathing, tightness in the chest, and coughing. When
allergens such as pollens,
dust mites,
animal dander, cockroaches, and
mold make your
symptoms worse, it is known as
allergic asthma.

When you get immunotherapy in the form of allergy shots, your
allergist or doctor injects small doses of substances
that you are allergic to (allergens) under your skin. Over time,
this decreases your reaction to the allergen and may reduce the symptoms of
allergic rhinitis. Allergy shots are available for
allergies to:

Pollen (ragweed, grasses,
trees).

Dust mites and
cockroaches.

Animal dander (dog and
cat).

Mold (fungus).

Sublingual immunotherapy may be another way to treat certain pollen allergies. Instead of getting shots, you dissolve a tablet under your tongue daily. Each tablet has a small amount of allergen in it. This treatment, like allergy shots, helps your body "get used to" the allergen, so your body reacts less to it over time. Talk to your doctor if you have a pollen allergy and you want to know more about this treatment.

Compare your options

You will get a shot once or twice a
week that contains a small amount of the allergen.

Over 4 to 6 months your doctor will add more allergen to the
shot.

You will get the same dose in shots every 2 to 4 weeks for
the next 4 to 6 months.

You may get monthly shots for 3 to 5
years.

The shots usually work to
relieve allergy symptoms.

You can't be
sure how long allergy shots will work after you stop getting them.

If you have another health problem, such as coronary
artery disease (CAD), you are at increased risk for a severe reaction to the
shots.

A life-threatening, whole-body reaction (anaphylaxis) to the shots is possible, but this is
rare.

Don't get allergy shots
Don't get allergy shots

You can take medicine to
control allergy or asthma symptoms, and you can try to avoid the allergen.

You will avoid having
shots.

You won't have to spend the money on a long series of
shots.

You won't have to travel to a clinic for regular shots.

You may
have to deal with symptoms such as sneezing, wheezing, and a runny
nose.

Allergic rhinitis can lead to problems such as sinus
infections, plugged ears or ear infections, and sinusitis.

Allergic asthma can increase your risk of lung and airway
infections, such as pneumonia and bronchitis.

Personal stories about taking allergy shots

These stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers. They may be helpful as you make important health decisions.

I bought my
daughter, Tina, a cat for her birthday. A month or so later, I developed
allergy symptoms that I have never had before: sneezing; puffy, irritated eyes;
and feeling tired. I thought maybe I was allergic to a detergent or soap, but
my doctor did some tests, and it turns out I am allergic to the cat. I know it
would break my daughter's heart to have to find a new home for the cat, and I
have gotten attached to it, too. I decided to try getting the allergy shots and
do what I can to keep the cat hair and dander out of my bedroom.

Lynn, age
42

For as long as I can remember, I have had
bad hay fever. I have had tests to find out just what kind of pollen I am
allergic to, and it turns out that I am allergic to several different kinds. I
have learned over the years that my symptoms will get worse at certain times of
the year, and I try to avoid being exposed to pollen during those times. My
doctor and I also have spent a lot of time finding out which antihistamines and
allergy medicines work for me without a lot of side effects. I feel like I
manage my allergies well, so I'm not going to have the shots from my doctor or use tablets that dissolve under my tongue.

Kenny, age 44

I have lots
of postnasal drainage from my allergies, and I get several sinus infections
every year during allergy season. I could take drugs to treat a runny nose, but
these other problems—and the side effects of the drugs—really affect my quality
of life. My doctor has narrowed it down to just a couple of things that I am
most allergic to, and I am going to try 1 or 2 years of allergy shots to see if
they will help reduce my post-nasal drip and control my sinus infection
problems.

Jorge, age
30

I have seasonal allergies that trigger my
asthma during allergy season. I know that trees and ragweed trigger my
symptoms, so when these are blooming, I try to avoid them as much as possible.
Since avoiding these pollens seems to help, I don't want to go through with the
skin testing to find out if immunotherapy is an option for me.

Sara, age 33

I have
asthma, and it gets worse during allergy season. I love being outside during
the spring and summer, and I exercise outside a lot. My allergist told me that
allergy shots could help my asthma during allergy season and during the whole
year. I will do anything to be able to spend more time outside when it is such
beautiful weather. I am definitely going to try allergy shots to reduce my
asthma symptoms.

Kathy,
age 28

I think the hassle of having shots every
week for years would be a lot worse than dealing with my runny nose and itchy
eyes for a few months every year. Maybe I will buy some stock in the tissue and
antihistamine companies!

John, age 19

What matters most to you?

Your personal feelings are just as important as the medical facts. Think about what matters most to you in this decision, and show how you feel about the following statements.

Reasons to choose allergy shots

Reasons not to choose allergy shots

I want to do whatever possible to relieve my symptoms even if I don't know how long the shots will work.

I don't want allergy shots if I can't be sure how long they will work.

More important

Equally important

More important

I have tried to avoid or am not able to avoid the things that I am allergic to.

I believe I can avoid the things I am allergic to.

More important

Equally important

More important

I want to treat the cause of my allergies, not just the symptoms.

I don't mind using medicine to relieve my symptoms.

More important

Equally important

More important

I am willing to spend the money and take the time to get allergy shots.

I don't want to spend the time and money on allergy shots.

More important

Equally important

More important

I have tried medicine and can't deal with the side effects.

Medicine controls my symptoms without side effects.

More important

Equally important

More important

My other important reasons:

My other important reasons:

More important

Equally important

More important

Where are you leaning now?

Now that you've thought about the facts and your feelings, you may have a general idea of where you stand on this decision. Show which way you are leaning right now.

Getting allergy shots

NOT getting allergy shots

Leaning toward

Undecided

Leaning toward

What else do you need to make your decision?

Check the facts

1.

Are allergy shots likely to relieve your allergy symptoms?

YesThat's right. Allergy shots will probably help you. They are effective for most people and can reduce symptoms if you are allergic to pollens, animal dander, dust mites, mold, or cockroaches.

NoNo, that's not right. Allergy shots will probably help you. They are effective for most people and can reduce symptoms if you are allergic to pollens, animal dander, dust mites, mold, or cockroaches.

I'm not sureIt may help to go back and read "Get the Facts." Allergy shots are effective for most people and can reduce symptoms if you are allergic to pollens, animal dander, dust mites, mold, or cockroaches.

2.

Do most people complete their allergy shots within 2 years?

Yes No, that's not right. You need to take allergy shots for 3 to 5 years.

You may want to have a say in this decision, or you may simply want to follow your doctor's recommendation. Either way, this information will help you understand what your choices are so that you can talk to your doctor about them.

Allergies: Should I Take Allergy Shots?

Here's a record of your answers. You can use it to talk with your doctor or loved ones about your decision.

Get the facts

Compare your options

What matters most to you?

Where are you leaning now?

What else do you need to make your decision?

1. Get the Facts

Your options

Don't get allergy shots. Instead, keep taking
medicine to control your symptoms, and try to get rid of or avoid the
allergen.

Get allergy shots along with taking medicine to control your
symptoms.

Key points to remember

Allergy shots will probably help you. They are effective for
most people and can reduce symptoms if you are allergic to pollens,
animal dander,
dust mites, mold, or cockroaches.1 Allergy shots may prevent children with allergic rhinitis
from getting asthma.1

You need to take allergy shots for 3 to 5 years.

You cannot be sure how long the shots will be effective after
you stop getting them. For allergies to some grasses, shots have been effective
for 3 or 4 years.1

If you
have
coronary artery disease, are using
beta-blockers, are pregnant, are not able to
communicate how the shots are working, or have an
impaired immune system, allergy shots may not be
recommended.

Children may use allergy shots if they have persistent
asthma made worse by allergens.

Children younger than 2 should not have
allergy shots.

Children ages 3 to 4 may find it hard to have to
get many shots over a long period of time. Talk with your
doctor.

Your child's asthma needs to be well controlled before he
or she gets allergy shots.

FAQs

What are allergic rhinitis and allergic asthma?

Allergic rhinitis (often called hay fever) occurs when your
immune system overreacts to particles in the air that
you breathe—you are allergic to them. Your immune system attacks the particles,
causing symptoms such as sneezing and a runny nose. The particles are called
allergens, which simply means that they can cause an
allergic reaction.

Asthma is a long-lasting condition that causes
wheezing, trouble breathing, tightness in the chest, and coughing. When
allergens such as pollens,
dust mites,
animal dander, cockroaches, and
mold make your
symptoms worse, it is known as
allergic asthma.

What are the risks of allergic rhinitis and allergic asthma?

Allergic rhinitis can affect your health if you don't
treat it. You may have problems such as sinus
infections, plugged ears or
ear infections, and
sinusitis.

If you don't control allergic
asthma, it increases your risk of problems from lung and airway infections,
such as
bronchitis and
pneumonia.

What are allergy shots?

When you get immunotherapy in the form of allergy shots, your
allergist or doctor injects small doses of substances
that you are allergic to (allergens) under your skin. Over time,
this decreases your reaction to the allergen and may reduce the symptoms of
allergic rhinitis. Allergy shots are available for
allergies to:

Pollen (ragweed, grasses,
trees).

Dust mites and
cockroaches.

Animal dander (dog and
cat).

Mold (fungus).

Sublingual immunotherapy may be another way to treat certain pollen allergies. Instead of getting shots, you dissolve a tablet under your tongue daily. Each tablet has a small amount of allergen in it. This treatment, like allergy shots, helps your body "get used to" the allergen, so your body reacts less to it over time. Talk to your doctor if you have a pollen allergy and you want to know more about this treatment.

Why might your doctor recommend allergy shots?

You have allergic rhinitis and you have tried medicine and have avoided
allergens, but you still have severe symptoms.

You have allergic rhinitis and you have tried
medicine, but the side effects bother you.

You have allergic asthma, your symptoms last most of the year, and you don't get relief if you take medicines or avoid allergens.

Why might your doctor NOT recommend allergy shots?

You have another health problem, such as
coronary artery disease (CAD), that puts you at increased risk for a
severe reaction to the shots.

2. Compare your options

You will get a shot once or twice a
week that contains a small amount of the allergen.

Over 4 to 6 months your doctor will add more allergen to the
shot.

You will get the same dose in shots every 2 to 4 weeks for
the next 4 to 6 months.

You may get monthly shots for 3 to 5
years.

You can take medicine to
control allergy or asthma symptoms, and you can try to avoid the allergen.

What are the benefits?

The shots usually work to
relieve allergy symptoms.

You will avoid having
shots.

You won't have to spend the money on a long series of
shots.

You won't have to travel to a clinic for regular shots.

What are the risks and side effects?

You can't be
sure how long allergy shots will work after you stop getting them.

If you have another health problem, such as coronary
artery disease (CAD), you are at increased risk for a severe reaction to the
shots.

A life-threatening, whole-body reaction (anaphylaxis) to the shots is possible, but this is
rare.

You may
have to deal with symptoms such as sneezing, wheezing, and a runny
nose.

Allergic rhinitis can lead to problems such as sinus
infections, plugged ears or ear infections, and sinusitis.

Allergic asthma can increase your risk of lung and airway
infections, such as pneumonia and bronchitis.

Personal stories

Are you interested in what others decided to do? Many people have faced this decision. These
personal stories
may help you decide.

Personal stories about taking allergy shots

These stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers. They may be helpful as you make important health decisions.

"I bought my daughter, Tina, a cat for her birthday. A month or so later, I developed allergy symptoms that I have never had before: sneezing; puffy, irritated eyes; and feeling tired. I thought maybe I was allergic to a detergent or soap, but my doctor did some tests, and it turns out I am allergic to the cat. I know it would break my daughter's heart to have to find a new home for the cat, and I have gotten attached to it, too. I decided to try getting the allergy shots and do what I can to keep the cat hair and dander out of my bedroom."

— Lynn, age
42

"For as long as I can remember, I have had bad hay fever. I have had tests to find out just what kind of pollen I am allergic to, and it turns out that I am allergic to several different kinds. I have learned over the years that my symptoms will get worse at certain times of the year, and I try to avoid being exposed to pollen during those times. My doctor and I also have spent a lot of time finding out which antihistamines and allergy medicines work for me without a lot of side effects. I feel like I manage my allergies well, so I'm not going to have the shots from my doctor or use tablets that dissolve under my tongue."

— Kenny, age 44

"I have lots of postnasal drainage from my allergies, and I get several sinus infections every year during allergy season. I could take drugs to treat a runny nose, but these other problems—and the side effects of the drugs—really affect my quality of life. My doctor has narrowed it down to just a couple of things that I am most allergic to, and I am going to try 1 or 2 years of allergy shots to see if they will help reduce my post-nasal drip and control my sinus infection problems."

— Jorge, age
30

"I have seasonal allergies that trigger my asthma during allergy season. I know that trees and ragweed trigger my symptoms, so when these are blooming, I try to avoid them as much as possible. Since avoiding these pollens seems to help, I don't want to go through with the skin testing to find out if immunotherapy is an option for me."

— Sara, age 33

"I have asthma, and it gets worse during allergy season. I love being outside during the spring and summer, and I exercise outside a lot. My allergist told me that allergy shots could help my asthma during allergy season and during the whole year. I will do anything to be able to spend more time outside when it is such beautiful weather. I am definitely going to try allergy shots to reduce my asthma symptoms."

— Kathy,
age 28

"I think the hassle of having shots every week for years would be a lot worse than dealing with my runny nose and itchy eyes for a few months every year. Maybe I will buy some stock in the tissue and antihistamine companies!"

— John, age 19

3. What matters most to you?

Your personal feelings are just as important as the medical facts. Think about what matters most to you in this decision, and show how you feel about the following statements.

Reasons to choose allergy shots

Reasons not to choose allergy shots

I want to do whatever possible to relieve my symptoms even if I don't know how long the shots will work.

I don't want allergy shots if I can't be sure how long they will work.

More important

Equally important

More important

I have tried to avoid or am not able to avoid the things that I am allergic to.

I believe I can avoid the things I am allergic to.

More important

Equally important

More important

I want to treat the cause of my allergies, not just the symptoms.

I don't mind using medicine to relieve my symptoms.

More important

Equally important

More important

I am willing to spend the money and take the time to get allergy shots.

I don't want to spend the time and money on allergy shots.

More important

Equally important

More important

I have tried medicine and can't deal with the side effects.

Medicine controls my symptoms without side effects.

More important

Equally important

More important

My other important reasons:

My other important reasons:

More important

Equally important

More important

4. Where are you leaning now?

Now that you've thought about the facts and your feelings, you may have a general idea of where you stand on this decision. Show which way you are leaning right now.

Getting allergy shots

NOT getting allergy shots

Leaning toward

Undecided

Leaning toward

5. What else do you need to make your decision?

Check the facts

1.
Are allergy shots likely to relieve your allergy symptoms?

Yes

No

I'm not sure

That's right. Allergy shots will probably help you. They are effective for most people and can reduce symptoms if you are allergic to pollens, animal dander, dust mites, mold, or cockroaches.

2.
Do most people complete their allergy shots within 2 years?

Yes

No

I'm not sure

Right. You need to take allergy shots for 3 to 5 years.

3.
Can children over age 5 have allergy shots?

Yes

No

I'm not sure

That's right. Children may use allergy shots if they have ongoing asthma made worse by allergens. Your child's asthma needs to be well controlled before he or she gets allergy shots.

Decide what's next

1.
Do you understand the options available to you?

Yes

No

2.
Are you clear about which benefits and side effects matter most to you?

Yes

No

3.
Do you have enough support and advice from others to make a choice?

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